Lucknow: In a structured effort to eliminate child labour, the Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious target to make the state completely child labour-free by 2027. The campaign, centered on education, awareness, and rehabilitation, is being executed at scale across the state’s urban and rural landscapes.
As part of this initiative, 10,336 child labourers have been identified, with significant progress made in rehabilitation. Between 2017-18 and 2024-25, 12,426 children have been reintegrated into the education system. Under the Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana, 2,000 children have been provided both schooling and financial assistance, ensuring continuity in education.
To mark the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, a series of awareness campaigns are scheduled across the state. These programs aim to instill societal responsibility and shift public perception toward prioritizing children's education and welfare.
The government has also supported 1,089 economically distressed families, reducing the financial pressure that often forces children into labour. Further, the administration reports that 1,408 bonded labourers have been rehabilitated, backed by `18.17 crore in financial aid between 2017 and 2025.
A broader push is also underway through the Labour Welfare Council, which currently oversees eight schemes for organized sector workers. In 2024-25, `1.32 crore has been distributed to 309 workers from a `40 crore corpus. The Chief Minister has emphasized the critical importance of investing in
children’s futures, framing the elimination of child labour as central to long-term social and economic development in the state.
A broader push beyond child labour
Beyond child labour, the state government has extended its social welfare vision to address bonded labour and worker support systems. From 2017-18 to 2024-25, 1,408 bonded labourers have been rescued and rehabilitated with financial assistance totaling ₹18.17 crore.
This initiative signals a growing focus on holistic labour reform in the state. Parallel to this, eight welfare schemes are currently operational for workers in the organized sector under the Labour Welfare Council.
With a ₹40 crore fund, these schemes address critical needs such as healthcare, education, and workplace safety. In the ongoing financial year, ₹1.32 crore has been disbursed to 309 workers as part of direct relief measures.
These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to labour welfare, indicating that the state’s strategy goes beyond just addressing child labour to encompass the dignity and rights of all working-class citizens.
